Combined Worship Services
Throughout the year, we have combined worship services that bring our two worship styles together at 10:00 am. These services help us to build relationships across our two worship times and remind us we are ONE church with two services. These combined services are followed by a potluck fellowship meal.
Spring Events
Ash Wednesday Services
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. We mark this occasion with the imposition of the ashes and a call to observe a Holy Lent--a season marked with the observance of repentance, fasting, and spiritual disciplines. This year we have our Ash Wednesday Service at 6:30 on February 10th.
More about Ash Wednesday & Lent
Holy Week Services
Holy Week services begin on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter. The week is filled with opportunities to connect to the story of Easter through worship and experiences.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, as we remember Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This Sunday is marked with the waving of palm branches. We celebrate Palm Sunday on March 21st this year.
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is the day we remember Christ's institution of Holy Communion (the Eucharist, The Lord's Supper) on the night before he was betrayed and arrested. We have our Maundy Thursday Service at 6:30 pm on March 25th.
Good Friday
Good Friday is the day we remember Christ's crucifixion and death. We have our annual drum circle in the church labyrinth from 12:00 - 3:00 pm on March 26th.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is the celebration of the Resurrection and the most important day of the year! At Monte Sano United Methodist, we begin with a sunrise service at the amphitheater in Monte Sano State Park at 6:30 am. We follow that with our regular worship times at 9:00 am and 11:00 am on March 28th.
Easter Egg Hunt
Our children's ministry celebrates Easter every year with a community Easter Egg Hunt. We split our children into two groups, based on age, and each group gets to take part in their own hunt for eggs. Prizes and candy are all part of the fun!
Summer Events
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is for kids! The church welcomes Pre-K and elementary-aged children to the church for a time of fun, games, crafts, and learning about the love of Jesus.
SERVICE PROJECT: HEALS, Inc.
During the summer months, the church works together to gather donations for HEALS, Inc. Donated items have included new pairs of shoes, books, and prizes for children to receive after doctor visits.
SERVICE PROJECT: Christmas in July for the 8th Street Community
Our church family helps host a special "Christmas in July" party for the residents of The 8th Street Community at Monte Sano Pool. It's a wonderful afternoon of swimming, food, and a visit from Santa in Summer!
Blessing of the Backpacks and Third Grade Bible Presentation
As our children get ready to go back to school, we take time to pray for our students, teachers, and faculty as they begin a new year. We also take this opportunity to present Bibles to our 3rd graders.
Fall Events
SERVICE PROJECT: Day of Service
In September every year, we take one Sunday morning and give our regular worship time over to serving others. We start with a brief commissioning service, then invite the entire church to take part in mission projects. These include packing 12,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger, writing notes of encouragement to people inside and outside the congregation, and other projects.
Trunk or Treat
Fall is a great time for fun, games, and dressing up! Trunk or Treat is our annual Fall festival during which children get to dress up and "trunk or treat" in our church parking lot in a safe environment. Our Youth group provides games while church members decorate their trunks and hand out candy.
All Saints Sunday
A day of remembrance as we celebrate the lives of those who have passed away in the last year. This year we honor those remembered on November 1st.
Winter Events
SERVICE PROJECT: Santa's Helpers
During the month of November, the congregation is invited to help fulfill the Christmas wishes of those in need in North Alabama. Take a name from the "Santa's Helpers" tree in the gathering area, and bring back their wrapped gifts (in gift bags) at the end of the month. Participants' names and needs are provided by TARCOG. This year the event runs from November 1st - November 29th.
SERVICE PROJECT: Santa for Scholars
In early December, we double our efforts to meet community needs with "Santa for Scholars." Similar to Santa's Helpers, but in this effort we are meeting the needs of WEDC Foundation scholars and their families. The WEDC Foundation selects women in need to help with mentoring and educational opportunities. This year the event runs from November 29th - December 13th.
Simply Christmas Artisan Craft Show
A wonderful Christmas fundraiser for the church! We welcome 50 vendors to the church on the first Saturday in December for Simply Christmas. Vendors include artists, authors, jewelry makers, craftspeople, woodworkers, and more. It's a great opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts. Along with vendors, there is live music in the Sanctuary and a chili lunch fundraiser for our missions committee. This year the date is Saturday, December 5th.
Christmas Eve Worship Services
Join us for Christmas Eve for two unique candlelight communion services. The contemporary service is at 5:00 pm and features our praise band. The traditional service is at 6:30 pm and features our chancel choir. For those with family traditions that keep them from joining us for either service, we also offer Holy Communion at the altar rail from 7:30-8:00 pm.